INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS TO ADDRESS EYE DISORDERS
A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.
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This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/786,574, filed on Dec. 31, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/832,437, filed on Apr. 11, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/900,891, filed on Sep. 16, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/908,955, filed on Oct. 1, 2019, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDAspects of the present disclosure generally relate to intravascular devices, systems and methods to address eye disorders.
BACKGROUNDAccessing and treating the ophthalmic artery is challenging but could address diseases of the eye. Improvements in devices, systems and methods for such purposes are needed.
SUMMARYBlood is supplied to the eye primarily via the internal carotid artery (ICA), ophthalmic artery (OA) and retinal artery (RA). Disease in any of these arteries, or elsewhere in the arterial path from the heart, may compromise blood supply to the eye and contribute to eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, among others. Thus, treating such arterial disease may effectively treat the associated eye disorder. The inventors have found that people with AMD often have arterial disease in the ICA, the ostium of the OA as it branches off the ICA, and in the short limb of the OA. The devices, systems and methods described herein are intended to provide improved access and treatment of these vascular targets.
In one embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an oculofacial artery (OFA) at an access site on a face of a patient; advancing a device through OFA access site to an ophthalmic artery (OA); and treating a portion of the OA with the device. In some embodiments, the wherein the OFA comprises the supra-trochlear artery or the supra-orbital artery.
In another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing a superficial temporal artery (STA) near an ear of a patient; advancing a device through STA access site to an ophthalmic artery (OA); and treating a portion of the OA with the device.
In yet another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing a superficial temporal artery (STA) near an ear of a patient; advancing a device through STA access site to a cerebral vascular target; and treating a portion of the cerebral vascular target with the device.
In still another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing a superficial temporal artery (STA) near an ear of a patient; advancing a device through STA access site to a coronary artery target; and treating a portion of the coronary artery target with the device.
Further, in one embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an occipital artery (OcA) near an occipital bone of a patient; advancing a device through OcA access site to an ophthalmic artery (OA); and treating a portion of the OA with the device.
In another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an occipital artery (OcA) near an occipital bone of a patient; advancing a device through OcA access site to a cerebral vascular target; and treating a portion of the cerebral vascular target with the device.
In yet another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an occipital artery (OcA) near an occipital bone of a patient; advancing a device through OcA access site to a coronary artery target; and treating a portion of the coronary artery target with the device.
In still another embodiment, a device may include a catheter for insertion through an internal carotid artery (ICA) to reach an ostium of an ophthalmic artery (OA), wherein the ICA includes clinoid segment just proximal of the OA ostium, wherein the clinoid segment includes an inside bend and an outside bend, the catheter comprising: an elongate tubular shaft having a proximal straight portion, a curved distal portion and a distal tip; the curved portion having a primary curve extending from the straight portion and a secondary curve extending from the primary curve; the primary curve having curvature in a first direction, the secondary curve having a curvature in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction, wherein, when the distal curved portion is positioned in the ICA, the primary curve engages the outside bend and extends toward the inside bend, and the secondary curve extends from the inside bend toward the OA ostium.
In another embodiment, a device may include a catheter for insertion through an internal carotid artery (ICA) to reach an ostium of an ophthalmic artery (OA), wherein the ICA includes clinoid segment just proximal of the OA ostium, wherein the clinoid segment includes an inside bend and an outside bend, the catheter comprising: an elongate tubular shaft having a proximal straight portion, a curved distal portion and a distal tip; the curved portion having a primary curve extending from the straight portion and a secondary curve extending from the primary curve; the primary curve having curvature in a first direction, the secondary curve having a curvature in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; wherein the primary curve is configured to engage the outside bend and extend towards the inside bend of the clinoid segment when the distal curved portion is positioned in the ICA; and wherein the secondary curve is configured to extend from the inside bend of the clinoid segment toward the OA ostium when the distal curved portion is positioned in the ICA.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the first direction is opposite the second direction, the primary curve and the secondary curve are coplanar, the secondary curve extends from the inside bend to point the distal tip toward the OA ostium, the secondary curve extends from the inside bend to position the distal tip in the OA ostium, the distal tip points at least partially proximally, the primary curve has a radius of curvature of 7.5 to 15 mm and an arc angle of 35 to 55 degrees such that the primary curve has a tighter bend than the inside bend of the clinoid segment, the primary curve has a tighter bend than the inside bend of the clinoid segment, and/or the secondary curve substantially spans the inside bend to the outside bend of the clinoid segment adjacent the OA ostium.
In yet another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject; advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein; proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration; and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: after cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter, advancing the guidewire into the ophthalmic artery; before proximally withdrawing the guidewire, inflating a balloon within one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, or a lacerum segment of an internal carotid artery; in the curved relaxed configuration, the distal portion of the microcatheter corresponds to a shape of a shepherd's hook; t performing an angioplasty procedure via a balloon; and/or the accessed artery is an internal carotid artery, and during the angioplasty procedure, the balloon is located in one of the ophthalmic artery, the ostium, or extending partially within the internal carotid artery and into a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
In still another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an internal carotid artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject; advancing a microcatheter along the internal carotid artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein; proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; and cannulating the ostium via the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: delivering the microcatheter to the internal carotid artery via a delivery artery, wherein the delivery artery is one of a supra-orbital artery, a supra-trochlear artery, a superficial temporal artery, or an occipital artery; before proximally withdrawing the guidewire, inflating a balloon within one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, or a lacerum segment of the internal carotid artery; in the curved relaxed configuration, the distal portion of the microcatheter corresponds to a shape of a shepherd's hook; the seating the first curve in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating the second curve in one of a clinoid segment or an ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the microcatheter; a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve; in the curved relaxed configuration, the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the microcatheter further includes a third curve in a third direction; a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve, and the radius of curvature of the second curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the third curve; performing an angioplasty procedure via a balloon; and/or, during the angioplasty procedure, the balloon is located in one of the ophthalmic artery, the ostium between the ophthalmic artery and the internal carotid artery, or extending partially within the internal carotid artery and into a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
Further, in one embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an internal carotid artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject; advancing a support catheter along the internal carotid artery; stopping antegrade flow within the internal carotid artery by inflating a balloon of the support catheter within one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, or a lacerum segment of the internal carotid artery; advancing a microcatheter along the internal carotid artery via the support catheter so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein; proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; and cannulating the ostium via the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: in the curved relaxed configuration, the distal portion of the microcatheter corresponds to a shape of a shepherd's hook; seating the first curve in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating the second curve in one of a clinoid segment or an ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the microcatheter; and/or performing an angioplasty procedure in one of the ophthalmic artery, the ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, or partially within the internal carotid artery and a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
In yet another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject; advancing a balloon microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the balloon microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the balloon microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein; proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the balloon microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the balloon microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration; cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration; and performing a balloon dilation procedure by inflating a balloon of the balloon microcatheter within the ostium.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following also applies: the accessed artery is an internal carotid artery, and, during the balloon dilation procedure, a distal portion of the balloon is positioned within the ostium or the ophthalmic artery, while a proximal portion of the balloon is positioned within the internal carotid artery; during the balloon dilation procedure, no portion of the balloon extends beyond a short limb of the ophthalmic artery; the balloon microcatheter includes a first wall defining a first lumen and a second wall defining a second lumen; the proximally withdrawing the guidewire includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire through the first lumen; an annular space between the first wall and the second wall defines an inflation lumen for the balloon; in the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve; in the curved relaxed configuration, the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion further includes a third curve; a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve, and a radius of curvature of the second curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the third curve; a shape of the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter in the curved relaxed configuration corresponds to a shepherd's hook; and/or the accessed artery is an internal carotid artery, and, when the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter assumes the curved relaxed configuration, the method further comprises seating the first curve in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating the second curve in one of a clinoid segment or the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the balloon microcatheter.
In another embodiment, a method may comprise accessing an internal carotid artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject; advancing a balloon microcatheter along the internal carotid artery so as to align a distal end of the balloon microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the balloon microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein; proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the balloon microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the balloon microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration; and performing an angioplasty procedure by inflating a balloon of the balloon microcatheter within the ostium, wherein, during the performing the angioplasty, no portion of the balloon extends beyond a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: during the balloon dilation procedure, a distal portion of the balloon is positioned within the ostium or the ophthalmic artery, while a proximal portion of the balloon is positioned within the internal carotid artery; the lumen having the guidewire positioned therein is a first lumen, and wherein the balloon microcatheter includes a first wall defining the first lumen and a second wall defining a second lumen; the inflating the balloon includes delivering inflation fluid to the balloon via the second lumen, wherein the second lumen is arranged between the first wall and the second wall; a radius of curvature of the first curve is greater than a radius of curvature of the second curve; a shape of the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter in the curved relaxed configuration corresponds to a shepherd's hook; and/or, when the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter assumes the curved relaxed configuration, the method further comprises seating the first curve in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating the second curve in one of a clinoid segment or the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the balloon microcatheter.
In yet another aspect, a method may comprise accessing an internal carotid artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject; advancing a balloon microcatheter along the internal carotid artery so as to align a distal end of the balloon microcatheter with an ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, wherein the balloon microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein; proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the balloon microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the balloon microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; seating the first curve in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating the second curve in one of a clinoid segment or an ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the balloon microcatheter; cannulating the ostium via the distal portion of the balloon microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration; and performing an angioplasty procedure by inflating a balloon of the balloon microcatheter within the ostium, wherein, during the performing the angioplasty, a distal portion of the balloon is positioned within the ostium or the ophthalmic artery, a proximal portion of the balloon is positioned within the internal carotid artery, and no portion of the balloon extends beyond a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
In still another embodiment, a microcatheter device may include a proximal portion; and a curved distal portion, the curved distal portion having: a first curve segment having a first curve radius in a first direction; a second curve segment distal of the first curve segment and having a second curve radius extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction; and a third curve segment distal of the second curve segment and having a third curve radius, wherein the first curve radius is from about 7.5 mm to about 15 mm, the second curve radius is from about 2 mm to about 3 mm, and the third curve radius is about 1 mm.
In other embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the first curve, the second curve, and the third curve are co-planar; the first direction is opposite to the second direction; the third curve includes a distal tip, and, when the microcatheter device is inserted into an internal carotid artery of a subject, the second curve is configured to point the distal tip toward an ostium between the internal carotid artery and an ophthalmic artery of the subject; when the microcatheter device is inserted into the internal carotid artery of the subject, the second curve is configured to position the distal tip in the ostium; the first curve has a tighter bend than a bend of a clinoid segment of an internal carotid artery of a subject; and/or the first curve has an arc angle of 35° to 55°.
In another embodiment, a microcatheter, which is to be introduced into an internal carotid artery to reach an ostium of an ophthalmic artery, the internal carotid artery including a clinoid segment proximal to the ostium, and having an inside bend and an outside bend, may include a proximal straight portion; a curved distal portion having a first curve extending from the straight portion and curving in a first direction, and a second curve extending from the first curve and curving in a second direction that is different from the first direction; and a distal tip, wherein, when the microcatheter is inserted into the internal carotid artery, the curved distal portion of the microcatheter is positioned in the internal carotid artery, the first curve engages the outside bend of the clinoid segment, and the second curve extends from the inside bend toward the ostium.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the first curve and the second curve are co-planar; the first direction is opposite to the second direction; the second curve is configured to point the distal tip toward the ostium; the second curve is configured to position the distal tip in the ostium; the first curve has a tighter bend than a bend of the clinoid segment; the first curve has a radius of curvature of 7.5 mm to 15 mm and an arc angle of 35° to 55°; the second curve has a radius of curvature of 2 mm to 3 mm and an arc angle of 170° to 190°; and/or the curved distal portion further includes a third curve extending from the second curve and having a radius of curvature of 1 mm and an arc angle of 15° to 30°.
In yet another embodiment, a microcatheter device may include a proximal portion; and a curved distal portion, the curved distal portion having: a first curve segment having a first curve radius in a first direction; a second curve segment distal of the first curve segment and having a second curve radius extending in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction; and a third curve segment distal of the second curve segment and having a third curve radius, the third curve segment defining a distal tip, wherein each of the first curve segment, second curve segment, and third curve segment are coplanar, and wherein the curved distal portion has a shape corresponding to a shepherd's hook.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the first curve segment has a radius of curvature of 7.5 mm to 15 mm and an arc angle of 35° to 55°; the second curve segment has a radius of curvature of 2 mm to 3 mm and an arc angle of 170° to 190°; and/or the third curve segment has a radius of curvature of 1 mm and an arc angle of 15° to 30°.
In another embodiment, a method may comprise percutaneously accessing a superficial temporal artery of a subject; advancing a device in a retrograde direction within the superficial temporal artery of the subject; advancing the device in the retrograde direction within an external carotid artery of the subject; advancing the device within a carotid bifurcation of a common carotid artery of the subject; and advancing the device in an antegrade direction within an internal carotid artery of the subject toward an ostium between an ophthalmic artery and the internal carotid artery.
In other embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: percutaneously accessing the superficial temporal artery includes accessing the superficial temporal artery through a skin of a subject proximate to an ear of the subject; advancing the device into the ophthalmic artery; the device includes a guidewire and a microcatheter, and the method further comprises proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration; when the distal portion of the microcatheter assumes the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least first curve in a first direction, and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; when the distal portion of the microcatheter assumes the curved relaxed configuration, the first curve is seated in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and the second curve is seated in one of a clinoid segment or the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the microcatheter; a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve; in the curved relaxed configuration, the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion further includes a third curve in a third direction; a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve, and the radius of curvature of the second curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the third curve; cannulating the ostium via the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration; the method further comprises performing a balloon dilation procedure in the ostium or the ophthalmic artery via a balloon on a distal end of the device; the advancing the device in the antegrade direction within the internal carotid artery includes advancing the device to one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, a lacerum segment, or a cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery; fluidly connecting the device to a reversing system, wherein the reversing system includes a proximal manifold, a common conduit connected to the proximal manifold, and a reversing manifold connected to the common conduit; the reversing manifold comprises a U-turn conduit; and/or the advancing the device includes advancing the device via one or more micro motors of the reversing manifold.
In yet another aspect, a method may comprise percutaneously accessing an occipital artery of a subject; advancing a device in a retrograde direction within the occipital artery of the subject; advancing the device in the retrograde direction within an external carotid artery of the subject; advancing the device within a carotid bifurcation of a common carotid artery of the subject; and advancing the device in an antegrade direction within an internal carotid artery of the subject toward an ostium between an ophthalmic artery and the internal carotid artery of the subject.
In addition, one or more of the following may also apply: advancing the device into the ophthalmic artery; the device includes a guidewire and a microcatheter, and the method further comprises proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration; a shape of the distal portion of the microcatheter in the curved relaxed configuration corresponds to a shepherd's hook; when the distal portion of the microcatheter assumes the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least first curve in a first direction, and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; when the distal portion of the microcatheter assumes the curved relaxed configuration, the first curve is seated in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and the second curve is seated in one of a clinoid segment or the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the microcatheter; cannulating the ostium via the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration; the advancing the device in the antegrade direction within the internal carotid artery includes advancing the device to one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, a lacerum segment, or a cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery; and/or percutaneously accessing the occipital artery includes accessing the occipital artery through a skin of the subject proximate to an occipital bone of the subject.
In still another aspect, a method may comprise percutaneously accessing a superficial temporal artery of a subject; advancing a device in a retrograde direction within the superficial temporal artery of the subject, the device including a guidewire, a microcatheter, and a balloon at a distal end of the microcatheter; advancing the device in the retrograde direction within an external carotid artery of the subject; advancing the device within a carotid bifurcation of a common carotid artery of the subject; advancing the device in an antegrade direction within an internal carotid artery of the subject toward an ostium between an ophthalmic artery and the internal carotid artery; proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration; and performing a balloon dilation procedure by dilating the balloon of the microcatheter in the ostium or the ophthalmic artery.
In another embodiment, the method further comprises seating a first curve of the distal portion in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating a second curve the distal portion in one of a clinoid segment or the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the microcatheter.
In another embodiment, a method may comprise acquiring an optical coherence tomography (OCT) en face image of a target anatomy of a subject; acquiring one or more OCT cross-sectional images of the target anatomy; identifying one or more dark areas in the acquired OCT en face image; selecting one or more OCT cross-sectional images corresponding to the identified one or more OCT en face image dark areas; identifying one or more dark areas in each of the selected OCT cross-sectional images; identifying one or more layers in each of the selected one or more OCT cross-sectional images in which photoreceptors reside; determining whether the identified one or more OCT cross-sectional image dark areas reside within the identified one or more layers; and, when the determining step determines a majority of the identified one or more OCT cross-sectional image dark areas reside within the one or more identified layers, indicating a treatment for arterial disease.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the target anatomy is a fovea of the subject; in the step of acquiring the OCT en face image of at least the fovea, an OCT en face image of the fovea, macula, and at least a majority of a retina of the subject is acquired; the OCT cross-sectional images include cross-sectional images of eye tissue and layers from a retina to a choroid of the subject; the treatment for arterial disease includes treating at least one of a blockage, a stenosis, a lesion, plaque, or other physiology of the subject; and/or the treatment includes balloon dilation.
In yet another embodiment, a method may comprise acquiring an optical coherence tomography (OCT) en face image of a fovea of a subject; acquiring one or more OCT cross-sectional images of the fovea, the OCT cross-sectional images including cross-sectional images of eye tissue and layers from a retina to a choroid of the subject; identifying one or more dark areas in the acquired OCT en face image; selecting one or more OCT cross-sectional images corresponding to the identified one or more OCT en face image dark areas; identifying one or more dark areas in each of the selected OCT cross-sectional images; identifying one or more layers in each of the selected one or more OCT cross-sectional images in which photoreceptors reside; determining whether the identified one or more OCT cross-sectional image dark areas reside within the identified one or more layers; and, when the determining step determines a majority of the identified one or more OCT cross-sectional image dark areas reside within the one or more identified layers, indicating a treatment for arterial disease.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: in the step of acquiring the OCT en face image of at least the fovea, an OCT en face image of the fovea, macula, and at least a majority of the retina of the subject is acquired; the treatment for arterial disease includes treating at least one of a blockage, a stenosis, a lesion, plaque, or other physiology of the subject; the treatment includes balloon dilation; the balloon dilation includes balloon dilation of an ophthalmic artery of the subject; and/or the arterial disease includes one or more of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
In still another embodiment, a method may comprise acquiring an optical coherence tomography (OCT) en face image of a fovea of a subject; acquiring one or more OCT cross-sectional images of the fovea; identifying one or more dark areas in the acquired OCT en face image; selecting one or more OCT cross-sectional images corresponding to the identified one or more OCT en face image dark areas; identifying one or more dark areas in each of the selected OCT cross-sectional images; identifying one or more layers in each of the selected one or more OCT cross-sectional images in which photoreceptors reside; determining whether the identified one or more OCT cross-sectional image dark areas reside within the identified one or more layers; and, when the determining step determines a majority of the identified one or more OCT cross-sectional image dark areas reside within the one or more identified layers, indicating a treatment for arterial disease, the treatment for arterial disease including treating at least one of a blockage, a stenosis, a lesion, plaque, or other physiology of the subject, and, when the determining step determines the majority of the identified one or more OCT cross-sectional image dark areas do not reside within the one or more identified layers, not indicating a treatment for arterial disease.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: in the step of acquiring the OCT en face image of at least the fovea, an OCT en face image of the fovea, macula, and at least a majority of a retina of the subject is acquired; the OCT cross-sectional images include cross-sectional images of eye tissue and layers from a retina to a choroid of the subject; the treatment includes balloon dilation; the balloon dilation includes balloon dilation of an ophthalmic artery of the subject; the arterial disease includes one or more of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy; the OCT cross-sectional image is acquired by swept source OCT; and/or the OCT cross-sectional image is acquired by spectral domain OCT.
In another embodiment, a microcatheter may comprise a shaft having variable flexibility along a length thereof, the shaft including: a multilayered proximal section including a proximal section outer layer; a multilayered mid-section including a mid-section outer layer that is more flexible than the proximal section outer layer; a multilayered distal section including a distal section outer layer that is more flexible than the mid-section outer layer, and a braid; and a distal tip including a variable pitch coil, the variable pitch coil having a distal closed-gap pitch, a proximal open-gap pitch, and a middle open-gap pitch greater than the proximal pitch, a distal end of the variable pitch coil terminating proximally of a distalmost end of the distal tip, wherein the braid of the distal section terminates at a distal end of the distal section and abuts a proximal end of the variable pitch coil.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: an outer diameter of the distal tip is tapered toward the distal end of the distal tip; the multilayered distal section includes a dual-layer coil of helical hollow strands, wherein the helical hollow strands have an elliptical cross-sectional shape; the proximal section outer layer includes a polymer, and wherein the multilayered proximal section further includes a dual-layer coil comprising a helical hollow strand of wire, a single-layer braid, and an inner liner; the mid-section outer layer includes a polymer that is more flexible than the polymer of the proximal section outer layer, and wherein the multilayered mid-section further includes the dual-layer coil comprising the helical hollow strands of wire, the single-layer braid, and the inner liner; the distal section outer layer includes a polymer that is more flexible than the polymer of the mid-section outer layer, and wherein the multilayered distal section further includes the dual-layer coil comprising the helical hollow strands of wire, the single-layer braid, and the inner liner; the distal tip further includes a distal tip outer layer; and/or a wall thickness of the distal tip outer layer is greater than a wall thickness of the distal section outer layer.
In yet another embodiment, a may comprise a shaft having variable flexibility along a length thereof, the shaft including: a multilayered proximal section; a multilayered mid-section that is more flexible than the multilayered proximal section; a multilayered distal section that is more flexible than the multilayered mid-section, the multilayered distal section including: a distal section outer layer; a dual-layer coil having an inner coil layer and an outer layer coil; a single-layer braid; and an inner liner; and a distal tip including: a distal tip outer layer; a single-layer coil having a distal closed-gap pitch, a proximal open-gap pitch, and a middle open-gap pitch greater than the proximal pitch, wherein the single-layer coil terminates proximally of a distalmost end of the distal tip; and the inner liner, wherein a distal-most end of the single-layer braid abuts the proximal end of the single-layer coil at an abutment, wherein the outer layer coil of the dual-layer coil extends over the abutment between the single-layer braid and the proximal end of the single-layer coil, and the inner layer coil of the dual-layer coil terminates at the abutment between the single-layer braid and the proximal end of the single-layer coil, and wherein, in a first configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal tip extends along a straight line, while, in a second configuration, the central longitudinal axis of the distal tip is curved.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: an outer diameter of the distal tip is tapered toward the distal end of the distal tip; the dual-layer coil is formed of helical hollow strands of wire, wherein the helical hollow strands of wire have an elliptical cross-sectional shape; the multilayered proximal section includes an outer layer formed of a polymer, the dual-layer coil comprising the helical hollow strands of wire, the single-layer braid, and the inner liner; the multilayered mid-section includes an outer layer that includes a polymer that is more flexible than the polymer of the outer layer of the proximal section, and wherein the multilayered mid-section further includes the dual-layer coil comprising the helical hollow strands of wire, the single-layer braid, and the inner liner; the distal section outer layer includes a polymer that is more flexible than the polymer of the mid-section outer layer; and/or the distal tip outer layer includes a polymer having a wall thickness that is greater than a wall thickness of the polymer of the distal section outer layer.
In still another embodiment, a microcatheter may comprise a shaft having variable flexibility along a length thereof, the shaft including: a proximal section including a solid core push wire and an outer layer; a plurality of distal sections including: a first multilayered distal section having a guidewire port at a proximal end; a second multilayered distal section extending from the first multilayered distal section, the second distal multilayered section being more flexible than the first multilayered distal section; a third multilayered distal section extending from the second multilayered distal section, the third multilayered distal section being more flexible than the second multilayered distal section; and a fourth multilayered distal section extending from the third multilayered distal section, the fourth multilayered distal section being more flexible than the third multilayered distal section; and a distal tip including a variable pitch coil having a distal closed-gap pitch, a proximal open-gap pitch, and a middle open-gap pitch greater than the proximal pitch.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the outer layer of the proximal section is formed of a polyolefin heat shrink tubing; a diameter of the push wire of the proximal section tapers distally from 0.023″ to 0.010″; the distal tip section includes a shape profile, wherein the shape profile includes any one of a straight line, a line with a 45° bend, a line with a 90° bend, a line with a 180° bend, a shepherd's hook, or an abbreviated shepherd's hook; and/or the distal tip section is formed into a shape of a shepherd's hook having a first curve in a first direction, and a second curve in a second direction that is different from the first direction, wherein the second curve extends from a distal end of the first curve.
In another embodiment, a balloon catheter may comprise a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft including: an inner shaft portion extending from the proximal end, through a balloon, to a distal tip, the inner shaft portion having: an inner liner; a metallic support middle layer; and an outer layer; and an outer shaft extending from the proximal end to the balloon.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the outer shaft portion has a first flexibility at the proximal end and a second flexibility at the distal end, wherein the second flexibility is greater than the first flexibility; the inner liner comprises a polymer, the metallic support middle layer is a coil, and the outer layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer; the inner liner includes etched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the coil includes spring temper 304v stainless steel, and the thermoplastic elastomer includes PEBAX® 3533; a portion of the inner shaft portion extends distally beyond a distal waist of the balloon to form the distal tip; the balloon catheter may further comprise at least one marker band provided radially between the inner shaft portion and the balloon at one or more positions; the at least one marker band is a radiopaque marker band; and/or the at least one marker band abuts a distal terminus of the coil of the middle layer.
In yet another embodiment, a balloon catheter may comprise a balloon; and a shaft, including: an outer shaft portion, wherein a proximal neck of the balloon is coupled to a distal end of the outer portion; and a multilayered inner shaft portion extending through the balloon to a distal tip, wherein a distal neck of the balloon is coupled to the multilayered inner shaft portion, the multilayered inner shaft portion having: an inner liner; a metallic support middle layer; and an outer layer; wherein each of the outer shaft portion and the inner shaft portion extend between a proximal end of the shaft and a distal end of the shaft.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the inner liner comprises a polymer, the metallic support middle layer is a coil, and the outer layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer; the inner liner includes etched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the coil includes spring temper 304v stainless steel, and the thermoplastic elastomer includes PEBAX® 3533; a portion of the inner shaft portion extends distally beyond the distal neck of the balloon to form the distal tip; the balloon catheter may further comprise at least one marker band provided radially between the inner shaft portion and the balloon at one or more positions; the at least one marker band is a radiopaque marker band; and/or the at least one marker band abuts a distal terminus of the coil of the middle layer.
In still another embodiment, a balloon catheter may comprise a catheter shaft outer portion; a catheter shaft inner portion disposed radially within the outer portion and defining a guidewire lumen extending therethrough, an annular space between the outer portion and the inner portion defining an inflation lumen; a distal tip section, wherein, in a curved configuration, the distal tip section includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; and a balloon in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, wherein a proximal neck of the balloon is coupled to the outer portion and a distal neck of the balloon is coupled to the inner portion.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the outer portion includes a series of increasing flexible polymer tubes from a proximal end of the outer portion to a distal end of the outer portion; the balloon catheter further comprises at least one radiopaque marker provided on the inner portion adjacent to at least one of a proximal end and a distal end of the balloon; the first curve has a radius of approximately 7.5 mm to 15 mm and an arc length of approximately 35° to 55°, wherein the second curve has a radius of approximately 2 mm to 3 mm and an arc length of approximately 170° to 190°; and/or, in the curved configuration, the distal tip section includes a third curve extending from a distal end of the second curve.
In another embodiment, a balloon catheter may comprise a shaft including: a tubular proximal shaft section; a tubular mid-shaft section extending distally of the proximal shaft section; a core wire extending from the proximal shaft section and into the mid-shaft section; and a multi-lumen tubular distal shaft section extending from the mid-shaft section, a junction between the distal shaft section and the mid-shaft section forming a guidewire port, the distal shaft section including a balloon positioned thereon, wherein the junction between the mid-shaft section and the distal shaft section is configured to burst at a pressure that is lower than a burst pressure of the balloon.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the junction further includes a thermal bond; the thermal bond forms a seal; the balloon has a nominally rated inflation pressure and the junction is configured to burst between 1 ATM and 4 ATM above the nominally rated inflation pressure; the distal shaft section includes an inner portion and an outer portion; the outer portion includes a first polymer, and the inner portion includes an inner polymeric liner, a metallic middle layer, and an outer polymeric layer; the distal shaft section further includes a tack bond provided between the outer portion and the inner portion to thereby limit longitudinal movement between the outer portion and the inner portion; and/or the tack bond is configured to transmit longitudinal push forces between the outer portion and the inner portion.
In yet another embodiment, a balloon catheter may comprise a shaft including: a tubular proximal shaft section; a tubular mid-shaft section extending distally of the proximal shaft section; a core wire coupled to the proximal shaft section and extending from the proximal shaft section and into the mid-shaft section; and a multi-lumen tubular distal shaft section extending from the mid-shaft section, a junction between the distal shaft section and the mid-shaft section forming a guidewire port, the distal shaft section including: a distal outer portion extending from the guidewire port to a balloon, wherein a proximal neck of the balloon is coupled to a distal end of the distal outer portion; and a multilayered inner portion extending from the guidewire port, through the balloon, to a distal tip, wherein a distal neck of the balloon is coupled to the inner portion, and the multilayered inner portion having: an inner liner; a metallic support middle layer; and an outer layer.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the junction between the mid-shaft section and the distal shaft section is configured to burst at a pressure that is lower than a burst pressure of the balloon; the junction forms a fluid seal; the balloon has a nominally rated inflation pressure and the junction is configured to burst between 1 ATM and 4 ATM above the nominally rated inflation pressure; the distal outer portion includes a first polymer, the inner liner of the multilayered inner portion includes PTFE, the metallic support layer of the inner portion includes a stainless steel coil, and the outer layer of the inner portion includes a second polymer; the distal shaft section further includes a tack bond provided between the distal outer portion and the multilayered inner portion to thereby limit longitudinal movement between the distal outer portion and the multilayered inner portion; and/or the tack bond is configured to transmit longitudinal push forces between the outer portion and the inner portion.
In still another embodiment, a balloon catheter may comprise a shaft including: a proximal shaft section; a mid-shaft section extending distally of the proximal shaft section; and a distal shaft section extending from the mid-shaft section, a junction between the distal shaft section and the mid-shaft section forming a guidewire port, the junction including a seal, the distal shaft section including: a distal outer portion extending from the guidewire port to a balloon, wherein a proximal neck of the balloon is coupled to a distal end of the distal outer portion; and a multilayered inner portion extending from the guidewire port, through the balloon, to a distal tip, wherein a distal neck of the balloon is coupled to the inner portion, and the multilayered inner portion having: an inner liner; a metallic support middle layer; and an outer layer, wherein the junction between the mid-shaft section and the distal shaft section is configured to burst at a pressure that is lower than a burst pressure of the balloon, and wherein the balloon has a nominally rated inflation pressure and the junction is configured to burst between 1 ATM and 4 ATM above the nominally rated inflation pressure.
In some embodiments, one or more of the following may also apply: the distal outer portion includes a first polymer, the inner liner includes PTFE, the metallic support layer includes a stainless steel coil, and the outer layer includes a second polymer; the distal shaft section further includes a tack bond provided between the distal outer portion and the multilayered inner portion, the tack bond being thermally formed to thereby limit longitudinal movement between the distal outer portion and the multilayered inner portion; the tack bond is configured to transmit longitudinal push forces between the outer portion and the inner portion; and/or the proximal neck of the balloon is thermally bonded to the distal outer portion of the distal shaft section and the distal neck of the balloon is thermally bonded to the multilayered inner portion of the distal shaft section.
In this disclosure, the term “based on” means “based at least in part on.” The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context dictates otherwise. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, or product that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Relative terms, such as, “substantially” and “generally,” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% of a stated or understood value.
The devices, systems and methods described herein are intended to provide improved access and treatment of vascular disease in arteries supplying blood to the eye. Such vascular targets may include the ICA near the OA, the ostium of the OA as it branches off the ICA, or any part of the OA including the short limb, angle A or the long limb as described by Hayreh, for example. The improved devices may include a guidewire (GW), a neuro access and support catheter (NASC), a balloon access and support catheter (BASC), an aiming microcatheter (AMC), a micro balloon catheter (MBC), a diagnostic catheter (DC), an aiming intermediate catheter, an aiming intermediate catheter sheath and a guide sheath, for example. These devices may be used alone or in various combinations.
Example MethodEach of the devices described herein may be configured to work cooperatively to reach the OA from an access site in the femoral artery. The diameters and lengths may be adjusted to accommodate different access sites such as the radial, brachial, cervical or common carotid arteries. Less known or heretofore unknown access sites may also be used, such as access from the supra-orbital, supra-trochlear, superficial temporal or occipital arteries. These alternative access sites are described in more detail hereinafter. For purposes of illustration, not necessarily limitation, the following description refers to the femoral access approach.
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The following describes the construction of the devices used in the methods illustrated in
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When the BASC 100 is fully advanced as shown in
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As mentioned previously, the NASC 200 may be used instead of the BASC 100 as described with reference to
The stiffness of each of sections 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214 may be configured to provide the desired performance as a function of the anatomical locations described above. Based on a 3-point bend test according to ASTM Standard F2606, the first proximal support section 206 may have a stiffness of about 4.0-9.0 N/mm, or preferably 7.0-8.0 N/mm, which provides a balance of efficient power transfer to sections 208, 210, 212 and 214 while avoiding prolapse in the AA. The second proximal support section 208 may have a stiffness of about 1.5-4.0 or preferably 2.0-3.0 N/mm in order to provide a balance of flexibility in the ICA and supporting devices extending therethrough while avoiding back-out of distal sections 212 and 214. The third proximal support section 210 and the proximal transition section 212 may have a stiffness of about 1.0-3.0 N/mm or preferably 1.5-2.5 N/mm in order to provide a balance of flexibility and support, as well as a more gradual stiffness transition to the distal section 214. The distal section 214 may have a stiffness of about 0.15-0.50 or preferably 0.2-0.4 N/mm in order to maintain support and power transfer up to C5. An example of the stiffness profile of the NASC 200 compared to two prior art devices (Navien made by ev3; Neuron made by Pnenumbra) is shown in
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By way of example, not limitation: a 4 French RX NASC 250 may have an inside diameter of 0.045″ and an outside diameter of 0.055″; a 5 French RX NASC 250 may have an inside diameter of 0.059″ and an outside diameter of 0.069″; a 6 French RX NASC 250 may have an inside diameter of 0.073″ and an outside diameter of 0.083″; and a 7 French RX NASC 250 may have an inside diameter of 0.086″ and an outside diameter of 0.095″.
With reference to
The RX NASC 250 provides a number of advantages over conventional intermediate catheters. The following advantages are given by way of example, not limitation.
First, using a proximal wire 254 eliminates a proximal tubular shaft and thus provides improved infusion and aspiration. In other words, the absence of a proximal tubular shaft leaves the entire (larger) lumen of guide sheath available for infusion/aspiration. Further, a close distal fit between the RX NASC and the guide sheath ensures that a majority of the aspiration happens at the distal tip of the RX NASC 250.
Second, a shorter overlap length between the tubular sections of RX NASC 250 with guide sheath allows the RX NASC 250 to be up-sized without up-sizing the guide sheath. In other words, the RX NASC 250 can be larger and therefore tighter fitting to guide sheath without introducing drag/friction and without compromising flushing. For example, a conventional 5F intermediate catheter is often used with a 6F guide sheath to provide a relatively large annular gap (e.g., 0.008″ gap) to allow flushing and minimize drag between the devices. While a 6F conventional intermediate catheter can be used with a 6F guide sheath, the resulting annular gap is relatively small (e.g., 0.002″ gap) that introduces drag and compromises flushing. A 6F RX NASC 250 can be used with a 6F guide sheath without introducing excessive drag or compromising flushing; less drag translates to better catheter movement and an upsized intermediate catheter provides a larger working ID for procedures requiring larger devices.
Third, the RX NASC 250 has a rapid exchange configuration by virtue of its side port at junction 256, and thus may be introduced over a conventional length guidewire as opposed to an exchange length guidewire.
Fourth, the wire 254 of the RX NASC 250 eliminates a separate flush port. Because the RX NASC 250 uses a wire 254 in place of a proximal tubular section that would otherwise require a separate hub and hemostasis adapter for flushing, the RX NASC 250 may be flushed via the guide sheath flush port. Essentially, two catheters can be flushed simultaneously through a single y-adapter, and the RX NASC 250 is compatible with 3 port hemostasis adapters.
Fifth, the wire 254 of the RX NASC may be made in one size to fit a variety of conditions. Conventional intermediate catheters come is various lengths (e.g. 115, 120, 125, 130 cm lengths) to be compatible with different guide sheaths and different procedures. Having one size wire 254 sufficiently long to be compatible with all guide sheaths and other devices eliminates the need to stock multiple lengths of intermediate catheters and thereby reduces hospital inventory.
Sixth, the unique configuration of the RX NASC 250 may be used in other applications, such as coronary and peripheral procedures.
Over-The-Wire (OTW) Aiming Microcatheter (AMC)With reference to
The shaft may include a proximal section 306 about 80 cm long with an outside diameter of about 0.034″ which may comprise layers of thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., PEBAX 7233; approximately 0.003″ wall thickness) over a dual layer coil over a single layer braid (e.g., spring temper 304v stainless steel; 16 carrier of 0.0005″×0.0025″ ribbon at 175 picks per inch, diamond pattern) over an inner liner (e.g., PTFE, 0.00075″ wall thickness; 0.019″ inside diameter stretched down over a mandrel having a diameter of 0.0165″). The dual layer coil may comprise helical hollow strand 304v stainless steel wire, with the first layer comprising 18 carriers of 0.0012″ diameter wires wound in a right-hand direction and the second layer comprising 18 carriers of 0.0014″ diameter wires wound in a left-hand direction, wherein the wound wire layers have 0.0075″-0.0080″ spaced gaps. The first and second layers may be swaged down to an overall thickness of about 0.0012″, wherein the swaging process causes the round wires to become elliptical in cross-section.
From the proximal section 306, a mid-section 308 extends about 40.0 cm long with an outside diameter of about 0.034″ and may comprise the same layers as proximal section 306 except the outer layer may comprise a softer thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., PEBAX 5533; approximately 0.003″ wall thickness). From the mid-section 308, a distal section 310 extends about 30.0 cm long with an outside diameter of about 0.034″ and may comprise the same layers as mid-section 308 except the outer layer may comprise an even softer thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., PEBAX 3533; approximately 0.003″ wall thickness).
From the distal section 310, a distal tip section 312 extends about 1.5 cm with an outside diameter that tapers from 0.034″ to 0.0295″ and with a minimum inside diameter of 0.016″. The distal tip section 312 may comprise an outer layer of thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., PEBAX 3533; approximately 0.002″ wall thickness) over a single layer coil 316 over the same inner liner (e.g., PTFE, 0.00075″ wall thickness, 0.019″ inside diameter). As seen in
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For purposes of accessing the OA via the ICA, particularly when the OA take-off angle from the ICA is at a right angle or a slightly rearward angle, the shepherd's hook 338 shown in
These shapes maybe pre-formed by the manufacturer or formed by the physician during use utilizing heat-set techniques known in the art. A unique heat-set technique discovered by the inventors may be employed to improve shape retention. The technique involves placing the distal tip section 312 over an annealed stainless-steel mandrel pre-formed to the desired shape (e.g., abbreviated shepherd's hook). Alternatively, the distal tip section 312 may be placed into a groove in a metal forming plate, where the groove pattern corresponds to the desired shape. While on the pre-formed mandrel on in the groove of the forming plate, the distal tip section 312 is then exposed to heat (e.g., airflow) at or above the mechanical relaxation point of the polymers. Since PTFE has the higher mechanical relaxation temperature of the polymers used, the target temperature may be selected to achieve mechanical relaxation of the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) phase of PTFE, corresponding to a temperature range of approximately 210 to 250 degrees F. In this example, the distal tip section 312 is then exposed to airflow at 210 to 230 degrees F. for 5 to 8 minutes. Immediately after heating, and while still on the pre-formed mandrel on in the groove of the forming plate, the distal tip section 312 is cooled below ambient temperature to lock in the desired shape. In this example, the distal tip section 312 is quenched in an ice bath approximating 32 to 45 degrees F. for 5 to 8 minutes.
Rapid Exchange (RX) Aiming Microcatheter (AMC)With reference to
Distal tubular shaft sections 408, 410, 412, 414 and 416 may comprise multilayered materials with gradually increasing flexibility in the distal direction over an overall length of about 53 cm with an inside diameter of about 0.0165 in. to accommodate 0.010″ and 0.014″ guidewires. First distal section 408, the proximal end of which defines the guidewire port 405, may have a length of about 3 cm and an outside diameter of 0.034″ comprising the following layers: polyester heat shrink (e.g., PET; inside diameter 0.055″; wall thickness 0.0005″) over a dual layer coil over a single layer braid over an inner liner. The dual layer coil, single layer braid and inner liner may comprise the same materials and construction as described with reference to the OTW AMC 300.
Extending from the first distal section 408, second distal section 410 may have a length of about 5 cm and an outside diameter of about 0.034″ comprising the same layers as first distal section 408 except the outer layer may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., PEBAX 7233; approximately 0.003″ wall thickness). Extending from the second distal section 410, third distal section 412 may have a length of about 15 cm and an outside diameter of about 0.034″ comprising the same layers as second distal section 410 except the outer layer may comprise a softer thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., PEBAX 5533; approximately 0.003″ wall thickness). Extending from the third distal section 412, fourth distal section 414 may have a length of about 30 cm and an outside diameter of about 0.034″ comprising the same layers as third distal section 412 except the outer layer may comprise an even softer thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., PEBAX 3533; approximately 0.003″ wall thickness).
From the fourth distal section 414, a distal tip section 416 extends about 1.5 cm with an outside diameter that tapers from 0.034″ to 0.0295″ and with a minimum inside diameter of 0.016″. The distal tip section 416 may comprise the same materials and construction as described with reference to distal extension 312 of the OTW AMC 300 and may be formed into any of the shapes described with reference to
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A mid-shaft section 506 (e.g., 7233 Pebax, 0.030″ ID, 0.003″ wall thickness) may extend approximately 17 cm from the proximal shaft 502, with about 10 mm overlapping and thermally bonded to the proximal shaft 502. A core wire (not visible) (spring temper 304v stainless steel) may extend about 18 cm from the proximal shaft 502 inside the mid-shaft 506, with about 5 cm of the proximal end of the core wire extending inside the proximal shaft 502 and secured thereto by an interference fit. The core wire may have a nominal diameter of 0.010″ with the proximal 5 cm centerless ground to 0.006″ diameter and bent at two 30-degree angles to form the interference fit with the inside surface of the proximal shaft 502. The distal 3 cm of the core wire may be centerless ground to 0.004″ dimeter to provide a gradual stiffness transition across the guidewire exit port 510.
A distal shaft section 508 may extend approximately 30 cm from the mid-shaft section 506, and the junction between the two may form the guidewire port 510. The distal shaft section 508 may include an inner 514 and a distal outer 512 which are shown in more detail in
To form the junction between the mid-shaft 506 and the distal shaft 508, the proximal end of the distal outer 512 may be square-cut with the inner 514 extending slightly proximal thereof. The distal end of the mid-shaft 506 may be skive-cut at a 30 to 45 degree angle and positioned around the distal outer 512 with the inner 514 projecting out therefrom. A round support mandrel may be placed in the inner 514 extending out the proximal end thereof. A crescent-shaped support mandrel may be inserted in the mid-shaft 506 extending out the distal end thereof into the distal outer 512 with the inner 514 resting inside the saddle of the crescent-shape. The junction may be thermally reflowed to create a sealed thermal bond between the components with the inner 514 exiting the outer 512 where the outer 512 and midshaft 506 come together. Optionally, this sealed junction may be configured to burst at a pressure that is lower than the burst pressure of the balloon 520. In this manner, as the inflation pressure exceeds (by, e.g., 1-4 ATM) the nominally rated inflation pressure of the balloon 520 (i.e., the pressure at which the balloon reaches its specified inflated diameter), the sealed junction will burst rather than the balloon 520. When in use, a burst failure of the junction will harmlessly occur inside the guide or intermediate catheter (substantially proximal of the balloon), rather than at the balloon 520 inside the vasculature where a burst is less safe. This is particularly beneficial for a non-compliant balloon (growth rate of 4% to 6% over its working range (nominal to rated burst pressure)).
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The distal end of the distal outer 512 may be thermally bonded to the proximal waist 52 of the balloon 520. The distal waist 524 of the balloon 520 may be thermally bonded to a distal portion of the inner 514, with approximately 5 mm to 7 mm of the inner 514 extending beyond the distal waist 524 of the balloon 520 to form a distal tip section 518. A radiopaque marker band 530 (e.g., PtIr 90/10, 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm long) may be placed over the inner 514 under the balloon 520 at one or more desired locations such as the proximal, middle or distal aspects of the inflatable portions of the balloon 520. Similarly, a radiopaque marker band 532 may be placed around the distal tip section 518 of the inner 514. The distal marker band 532 may abut a distal terminus of the coil layer 544 of the inner 514 to define an atraumatic distal tip (e.g., 1 mm length) free of the coil layer 544. Optionally, the distal terminus of the coil 544 may be annealed to prevent fraying. Additionally or alternatively, the marker band 532 may be swaged over the distal terminus of the coil 544. As mentioned elsewhere herein, the extended distal tip section 518 acts like the tip of a microcatheter to facilitate advancement over a guidewire around tight turns without causing guidewire back-out for cannulation of the OA, for example.
Over-The-Wire (OTW) Micro Balloon Catheter (MBC)With reference to
The OTW MBC 550 may include a manifold 552 with inflation and guidewire ports. Extending from the manifold 552, a strain relief 554 may be provided for connection the catheter shaft, starting with proximal shaft section 556. The catheter shaft, including proximal shaft section 556, mid-shaft section 558 and distal shaft section 560, may comprise an inner disposed in an outer, wherein the inner defines a guidewire lumen and the annular space between the inner and outer defines an inflation lumen for a balloon 562. The distal end of the outer may be connected to a proximal waist of the balloon 562, while the inner extends through the balloon 562 to define a distal tip section 564, with the distal waist of the balloon 562 connected to the inner approximately 8-12 mm proximal of the distal end of the distal tip section 564. The distal tip section 564 may be shaped as described with reference to
The inner may comprise the same or similar construction as the OTW AMC 300, thus providing microcatheter-like performance. The outer may comprise a series of increasingly flexible polymer tubes from proximal to distal. For example, the outer of the proximal shaft section 556 may comprise a relatively stiff polymer (e.g., Pebax 7233, 75 cm length, 0.030-0.034″ OD, 0.003 wall thickness), transitioning to the mid-shaft section 558 comprising a relatively flexible polymer (e.g., Pebax 5533, 40 cm length, 0.030-0.034″ OD, 0.003 wall thickness), and ending in the distal shaft section 560 comprising an even more flexible polymer (e.g., Pebax 3533, 30 cm length, 0.030-0.034″ OD, 0.003 wall thickness). The balloon 562 may comprise the same material as balloon 520 with the proximal waist sized to fit inside the outer of the distal shaft section 560. Radiopaque marker bands 566 may be provided on the inner adjacent the proximal and distal ends of the body of the balloon 564, in addition to the distal aspect of the distal tip section 564.
Alternative MicrocatheterWith reference to
The proximal end of the microcatheter 610 may include a hub 614 connected thereto and a strain relief 615. The strain relief 615 may be tapered from the hub 614 to the proximal shaft 611 as shown in
A torque handle 620 may be placed over the main shaft 611, the strain relief 615 and/or hub 614 as shown in
The distal tip 630 of the microcatheter 610 may be straight or may be curve-shaped as shown in
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The shaft 641 balloon catheter 640 may include a proximal section comprising a PTFE coated SST hypotube with a proximal hub. The shaft 641 of the balloon catheter 640 may include a mid-section comprising a polymer tube with a tapered core wire extending therein. The proximal ends of the mid-shaft polymer tube and core wire may be boded to the distal end of the hypotube. The distal section of the shaft 641 may comprise two coaxial tubes including an inner to define a guidewire lumen and an outer to define an inflation lumen. The inner extends inside the outer from the distal end of the mid-shaft (proximal guidewire port for monorail design), through the balloon 642 and the distal tip segment (distal guidewire port). The outer extends from the distal end of the mid-shaft to the proximal end of the balloon 642.
The illustrated balloon catheter 640 differs from conventional designs in several aspects, including the distal tip segment 643 that provides a stiffness transition zone between the distal end of the guidewire (when inside the guidewire lumen and extending into the target artery) and the distal waist of the balloon 642 where it is bonded over the inner. When in use, the bare distal portion of the guidewire is much more flexible than the distal waist of the balloon where it is bonded over the inner with the guidewire inside. Because the take-off angle of the ophthalmic artery can be very sharp (right angle or rearward facing), conventional balloon catheter designs tend to cause the guidewire to lose purchase in the ophthalmic artery and slip out as the balloon catheter is advanced over the wire and into the ophthalmic artery. The flexible distal tip segment 643 of the illustrated balloon catheter 640 provides a transition in flexibility: from the bare distal guidewire, to the distal tip segment with the guidewire therein, to the distal balloon waist where it is bonded to the inner with the guidewire therein.
Thus, the balloon catheter 640 has a microcatheter-like supported distal tip segment 643 to facilitate flexibility from the guidewire to the balloon 642, thereby facilitating placement of the tip 643 and balloon 642 into the ophthalmic artery. In order to optimize this flexibility, a coiled structure with variable pitch as described previously maybe employed. Among other advantages, the coil structure provides for flexibility transition, kink resistance, radiopacity and limited stiff sections (that conventional radiopaque marker bands tend to cause). The distal tip segment 643 of the balloon catheter 640 may be shaped as described with reference to the curves 630 of the microcatheter 610. Thus, the balloon catheter 640 may function like a microcatheter, providing steering capability.
In general, the distal tip segment 643 maybe lined with either thin walled polyimide or PTFE, with a polymer skim coat thereover to promote subsequent adhesion of a polymer jacket thereover. The inside diameter maybe 0.013 inches for a 0.010-inch guidewire, tapered down to 0.011 inches near the distal end, for example. Alternatively, the inside diameter maybe 0.017 inches for a 0.014-inch guidewire, tapered down to 0.015 inches near the distal end, for example. The distal outside diameter maybe less than 0.5 mm (0.020 inches) to allow access into the ophthalmic artery, particularly if the ophthalmic artery has a restriction in its ostium.
With reference to
Reference to
With reference to
In general, the illustrated guidewire 650 may be optimized for accessing the ophthalmic artery and may be designed to maximize rail support for catheters advanced over the guidewire into the ophthalmic artery, which tends to have a sharp take-off angle from the internal carotid artery. As such, the distal portion 652 of the tapered wire core 653 under the coils 654a, 654b may be much shorter than a typical guidewire. With specific reference to
With reference to
As seen in
As seen in
An example of a cut pattern of the NiTi super-elastic alloy hypotube 665b is shown in
The shape of the distal curve 662 of the aiming catheter may be imparted by pre-forming the NiTi hypotube before assembly, and then by heat setting the final assembly such that the polymer jacket 666 and PTFE liner 664 assume the same shape as the NiTi hypotube 665b. I.e., Using the same disposition or shape in which the NiTi was originally formed to maximize shape retention. The super-elastic NiTi hypotube 665b may be made using the following process. The desired pattern may be laser cut into the NiTi hypotube and subsequently bead blasted to remove slag or dross from the laser cutting. The cut NiTi hypotube may be placed in a forming fixture have the desired shape. The forming fixture may be a fixture that retains that outer diameter of the hypotube, a mandrel inside the hypotube, or a combination of the two. While in the forming fixture, the cut NiTi hypotube may be annealed at 300 C. for 3 minutes in heated oven or salt bath, then heat set for 6-10 minutes at 500-510 C. The NiTi hypotube is then removed from heat source and immediately quenched in room temperature water. The heat set laser cut NiTi hypotube may be electropolished or chemically etched to remove surface tarnish or discoloration due to heat exposure.
Aiming Catheter SheathWith reference to
As seen in
An alternative distal section design is shown in longitudinal cross-section in
To enable precise axial movement of the aiming intermediate catheter 660 relative to the aiming catheter sheath 670, and thereby enable precise adjustment and locking of the curvature 662, an aiming system handle 690 may be used as shown in
By way of example, the guide sheath 700 (not shown) may be used to provide access from the femoral artery, through the aorta and aortic arch, to the carotid bifurcation over a 0.035 inch guidewire. The aiming intermediate catheter 660 and aiming catheter sheath 670 may be inserted through the guide sheath 700 over a 0.035 inch guide wire, and the curvature 662 of the aiming intermediate catheter 660 may be adjusted (as described previously) to aim its distal opening toward the ostium of the OA. The 0.035 inch guidewire may be removed, and the 0.010 or 0.014 inch guidewire 650 may be inserted into the aiming intermediate catheter 660, either alone or with the microcatheter 610 or the balloon catheter 640 loaded on the guidewire 650. With the aiming intermediate catheter 660 pointed to toward the OA ostium, the guidewire 650 may be inserted into the OA, optionally using a shaped tip of the microcatheter 610 to make fine steering adjustments to the guidewire 650 until it cannulates the OA. Once the guidewire 650 is disposed in the OA, beyond angle A for example, the microcatheter 610 may be inserted into the OA for delivery of drugs or contrast media, for example. Similarly, the balloon catheter 640 may be inserted over the guidewire 650 into the OA to dilate a restriction therein.
Alternative Access SitesEach of the devices described herein may be configured to work cooperatively to reach the OA from an access site in the femoral artery. The diameters and lengths may be adjusted to accommodate different access sites such as the radial, brachial, cervical or common carotid arteries. Less known or heretofore unknown access sites may also be used, such as access from the supra-orbital, supra-trochlear, superficial temporal or occipital arteries. With reference to
With reference to
With each of the access sites in the head, it may be desirable to position the treating physician's hands outside the field of radiation used to image the cranial vasculature. As such, and with reference to
Also, with each of the access sites in the head, it may be desirable to provide an aid in site closure. As a way to automate manual pressure, compression headgear 830 may be used as shown in
The access sites in the head, in particular the STA approach, have a number of advantages in terms of speed, performance, safety and closure. With regard to speed, the shorter distance reduces time to reach the target anatomy. With regard to performance, the shorter distance allows for increased suction force and better manipulation of devices. With regard to safety, the shorter distance to the target anatomy avoids navigation of the aortic arch which may be laden with plaque giving rise to embolic and dissection risks. With regard to closure, the proximity of the STA to the skull reduces potential complications. Thus, the access sites in the head may provide benefits to procedures other than dilating the OA. For example, the access sites may be used for cerebrovascular procedures such as in the treatment of acute stroke with mechanical thrombectomy or aspiration devices. In addition, the access sites may be used for coronary procedures such as in the treatment of coronary artery disease with balloon angioplasty devices.
Oculofacial ApproachOne of the challenges of the oculofacial approach is the small size of the supra-orbital artery and the supra-trochlear artery, which tend to be approximately 1.0 +/− 0.25 mm. Compared to a femoral approach where the femoral artery is approximately 7.0 +/− 0.5 mm at the access site, the oculofacial approach must be performed on a much smaller scale. However, it has several potential advantages. For example, whereas a femoral or radial approach requires navigation through the aortic arch and carotid arteries, the oculofacial approach does not, thus reducing the risk of an embolic event. Also, the oculofacial approach leads directly to the OA and doesn't require selective steering into side branches.
With reference to
In a percutaneous access technique, the SOA and/or the STrA may be palpated and a needle 924 may be inserted into the artery followed by a guidewire. The needle may be removed from the artery leaving the guidewire in place. An introducer sheath 922 may be placed over the guidewire to maintain access, and the guidewire may be removed to make room for other devices such as a different guidewire, microcatheter or balloon catheter to be inserted. Alternatively, the guidewire may be left in place and a microcatheter or balloon catheter may be inserted over it without the use of an introducer sheath, called a bareback technique. Because the SOA and STrA lead directly to the OA and the calibers of the SOA and STrA are so small, a bareback technique may be preferred (as compared to a femoral or radial approach that make use of introducers, sheaths and catheters for navigation). Under x-ray visualization, a balloon catheter or other therapeutic intravascular device may be advanced beyond the central retinal artery (CRA) to dilate the OA, OA ostium or ICA, for example.
In a cut-down access technique, the SOA and/or the STrA may be exposed through a skin incision. Under direct visualization, access to the SOA and/or the STrA may be accomplished with the aid of a support tool 926 having a handle and a sling in which the artery can rest as shown in
In addition to making use of the bareback technique due to limited space inside the SOA and STrA, it may be desirable to make use of a fixed-wire balloon catheter 930 because it has a very low profile.
With reference to
As an alternative to a fixed-wire balloon catheter, an innerless over-the-wire balloon catheter 940 may be used as schematically illustrated in
As seen in
With reference to
The oculofacial approach may be used in combination with a femoral or radial approach, an example of which is shown in
With reference to
With reference to
The guide sheath 1184 may be equipped with a pair of radiopaque marker bands 1185 that reside on the same transverse plane when the curve of the guide sheath 1184 is correctly positioned around the “U” turn at the carotid bifurcation. In addition, the guide sheath 1184 may include a pair of anchoring balloons 1183 similarly positioned as marker bands 1185. As shown in
As an alternative the guide sheath 1184 include push/pull wires to provide a steerable tip. As a further alternative, the guide sheath 1184 may incorporate a straight or curved core wire disposed in a side lumen that may be advanced or retracted to adjust stiffness to provide additional support (core wire advanced) or flexibility (core wire retracted), and may include a curved shape to support the U-shaped curve around the carotid bifurcation.
By way of example, not necessarily limitation, the following steps describe the STA approach in more detail.
-
- 1) Locate the artery near the tragus of the ear. p1 2) Use ultrasound or echo to locate the artery for puncture.
- 3) Puncture the vessel with a Micro puncture kit (0.014″ compatible).
- 4) Insert an 0.014″ guidewire (that is predisposed to “knuckling”, J-ing or prolapsing) through the micro puncture needle.
- 5) Knuckle or for a “J” at the distal end of the guidewire.
- 6) Spin the guidewire to track through the STA to the ECA and ultimately past the bifurcation into the CCA, using the wire to straighten extreme tortuosity along the vessel(s).
- 7) Remove the needle and insert a 5F/6F procedural sheath with dilator over the guidewire into the STA beyond any tortuosity that would prevent advancing subsequent devices.
- 8) Remove the dilator and guidewire leaving the procedural sheath in place. If the dilator was not able to be placed beyond tortuosity that would prevent subsequent device exchanges, leave the 0.014 guidewire in place in the CCA to maintain access.
- 9) Use below techniques to cross the carotid bifurcation
- a. Insert a guiding sheath, obturator and 0.021-0.025″ angle tip guidewire, steer the guidewire into the ICA and follow the guidewire with the guide sheath.
- b. Optionally, two microcatheters or a microcatheter and guidewire may be used for additional rail support of the guiding sheath further into the ICA.
- c. Use either the curved-tip guide sheath with straight obturator or curved-tip obturator with straight guide sheath. As an alternative, use a steerable guiding sheath placed at the carotid bifurcation and point the internal lumen of the guide sheath preferentially towards the lumen of the ICA. As a further alternative, use a flow directed wire/catheter placed in the bifurcation and blood flow from the common carotid to preferentially steer the flow directed catheter from the ECA to the ICA, then use the flow directed catheter as a rail to deliver the guide sheath into the ICA.
- d. Verify the radiopaque markers are on one either side of the bifurcation. If the 0.014″ guidewire was left in place to maintain access, track the guide sheath over the 0.014″ guidewire into the CCA before swapping out to a 0.021″-0.025″ guidewire.
- e. If the guide sheath incorporates inflatable anchoring balloons, inflate the balloons to stabilize the curve and provide flow cessation/allow aspiration during the intervention.
- 10) Advance a curved-tip aiming microcatheter into the guide sheath together with an 0.014 guidewire and navigated superiorly in the ICA until the distal end of the microcatheter is aimed at the OA ostium.
- 11) Advance the guidewire inside the OA.
- 12) Remove the microcatheter leaving the guidewire in place
- 13) Advance a balloon dilation catheter over the guidewire to the OA
- 14) Place balloon across restriction in OA and inflate.
- 15) Deflate balloon.
- 16) Remove devices in reverse order, optionally applying aspiration using guide sheath.
- 17) Close access site.
Identification of dormant photoreceptors may be used as a diagnostic step before treating arterial disease in the vascular blood supply to the rear of the eye (e.g., restriction in OA ostium, OA short limb, etc.). If dormant photoreceptors are present, improving blood flow to the choroid may more likely be effective, as compared to photoreceptors that are atrophied or otherwise not dormant. As such, as a diagnostic step, if dormant photoreceptors are found to be present in a given patient, then the patient may be treated using the devices and methods described herein. Absent dormant photoreceptors, the patient may not be treated using the devices and methods described herein or may be treated with alternative methods. In this diagnostic method, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) may be used to identify the presence or absence of dormant photoreceptors in the macula.
The present method uses two forms of OCT to examine the fovea to look for possible dormant photoreceptors: en face OCT and B scan (e.g., cross-sectional) OCT as shown in
The image comparison may be performed manually by a physician or OCT reader, or may be automated by an algorithm that examines each B scan, looks for the dark tissue segment, scans the en face image, looks for the dark tissue segment and then finally compares the two to calculate a likelihood of the presence of dormant photoreceptors.
Claims
1. A method, comprising:
- accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject;
- advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein;
- proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration; and
- cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- after cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter, advancing the guidewire into the ophthalmic artery.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- before proximally withdrawing the guidewire, inflating a balloon within one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, or a lacerum segment of an internal carotid artery.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, the distal portion of the microcatheter corresponds to a shape of a shepherd's hook.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- performing an angioplasty procedure via a balloon.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the accessed artery is an internal carotid artery, and wherein, during the angioplasty procedure, the balloon is located in one of the ophthalmic artery, the ostium, or extending partially within the internal carotid artery and into a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
7. A method, comprising:
- accessing an internal carotid artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject;
- advancing a microcatheter along the internal carotid artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein;
- proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; and
- cannulating the ostium via the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
- delivering the microcatheter to the internal carotid artery via a delivery artery, wherein the delivery artery is one of a supra-orbital artery, a supra-trochlear artery, a superficial temporal artery, or an occipital artery.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
- before proximally withdrawing the guidewire, inflating a balloon within one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, or a lacerum segment of the internal carotid artery.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, the distal portion of the microcatheter corresponds to a shape of a shepherd's hook.
11. The method of claim 7, the method further comprising:
- seating the first curve in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating the second curve in one of a clinoid segment or an ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the microcatheter.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein in the curved relaxed configuration, the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the microcatheter further includes a third curve in a third direction.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein a radius of curvature of the first curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the second curve, and the radius of curvature of the second curve is larger than a radius of curvature of the third curve.
15. The method of claim 7, further comprising performing an angioplasty procedure via a balloon.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein, during the angioplasty procedure, the balloon is located in one of the ophthalmic artery, the ostium between the ophthalmic artery and the internal carotid artery, or extending partially within the internal carotid artery and into a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
17. A method, comprising:
- accessing an internal carotid artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject;
- advancing a support catheter along the internal carotid artery;
- stopping antegrade flow within the internal carotid artery by inflating a balloon of the support catheter within one of a cervical segment, a petrous segment, or a lacerum segment of the internal carotid artery;
- advancing a microcatheter along the internal carotid artery via the support catheter so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein;
- proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, a central longitudinal axis of the distal portion includes at least a first curve in a first direction and a second curve in a second direction different than the first direction; and
- cannulating the ostium via the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein, in the curved relaxed configuration, the distal portion of the microcatheter corresponds to a shape of a shepherd's hook.
19. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising:
- seating the first curve in one of an ophthalmic segment or a communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, and seating the second curve in one of a clinoid segment or an ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery to stabilize the microcatheter.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
- performing an angioplasty procedure in one of the ophthalmic artery, the ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, or partially within the internal carotid artery and a short limb of the ophthalmic artery.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 27, 2019
Publication Date: Jul 2, 2020
Patent Grant number: 10792478
Applicant: J.D. Franco & Co., LLC (Plano, TX)
Inventors: Michael CALHOUN (Lighthouse Point, FL), Stephen MICHAEL (Maple Grove, MN), Zachary Tegels (Minneapolis, MN)
Application Number: 16/698,523
